Belarus is discussing the introduction of criminal liability for the sale of vapes and related nicotine products to minors. At a meeting of the expert committee, the draft legislation on regulating tobacco and non-tobacco nicotine products received majority support. The draft covers the circulation of vape devices and e-liquids and proposes several amendments, including restrictions on domestic production, stronger administrative penalties, a ban on advertising, and limits on the use of specific signage by retail stores.
Key Points Summary
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The Belarusian expert committee reviewed a bill regulating tobacco and non-tobacco nicotine products.
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The bill proposes criminal liability for selling vapes to minors and banning the domestic production of related non-tobacco nicotine products.
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Restrictions would apply to the use of terms such as “vape” in shop signage, alongside limits on exhibition quantities of imported tobacco products.
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Administrative liability for violations of production and circulation rules would be further strengthened.
Expert Committee Reviews Draft Nicotine Regulation Law
December 15, 2025 — According to the Belarusian News Agency (BELTA). Belarus has proposed introducing criminal liability for the sale of vapes to minors. The proposal was presented by Mikhail Rusy. Chairperson of the Standing Law and State Development Committee of the Republic Council, during a meeting of the expert committee.
Vape Regulation Deemed a Priority Issue
Rusy stated that the circulation of vapes has been discussed repeatedly at ministerial meetings and within other state institutions, including the Republic Assembly. The expert committee is currently reviewing the draft Law on Tobacco Raw Materials, Tobacco Products, Non-Tobacco Nicotine Products, Electronic Vaping Devices and Their E-liquids, and Tobacco Consumption Systems.
Majority Support for Tougher Regulatory Measures
He noted that the proposed regulatory framework had been thoroughly discussed and that most committee members supported the bill. They believe it would help strengthen control over the production, circulation, and sale of tobacco, non-tobacco nicotine products, and vaping devices, while also submitting additional recommendations.
Proposed Ban on Domestic Production and Criminal Penalties
Among the key proposals is the removal of provisions allowing the domestic production of non-tobacco nicotine products, vape devices, and e-liquids. The draft also introduces criminal liability for the sale of these products to minors.
Restrictions on Retail Signage and Product Exhibitions
Experts further suggested prohibiting the use of commercial signage that indicates the sale of such products, including terms like “vapes.” In addition, quantity limits would be imposed on imported tobacco raw materials and products displayed at international exhibitions and trade fairs.
Stronger Administrative Liability for Violations
The draft legislation also proposes intensifying administrative penalties for violations related to the production and circulation of tobacco and nicotine products.
Protecting Youth Health as Core Legislative Goal
Marina Ilyina, a member of the Permanent Committee on Education, Science, Culture and Social Development, emphasized that protecting the health of children and teenagers was central to the discussions. She highlighted proposals for mandatory licensing, compulsory product certification, and a comprehensive ban on advertising related products.
